Trip made WWI vets feel special

For three years now, Williamstown High School has hosted an unbelievable trip to Washington, D.C., for veterans of World War II.

One often hears vets complaining that “We risked our lives so that they
could have freedom and it looks like they forgot all about us.”

Well, it is more than apparent that the Monroe Township school
district, Williamstown High School students, staff members and many
volunteers have not done that. Instead, they hosted three fantastic
trips to Washington to the World War II Memorial for veterans of that
war.

This year was no exception.

From the minute veterans like myself arrived at the high school we
realized that we were viewed as “special.” We were treated like we were
the most important people in the world for two wonderful days.

This year’s trip was also hosted by HBO along with a number of other
sponsors, in coordination with the production of the new Steven
Spielberg-Tom Hanks miniseries “The Pacific.”

Everything was done for us that was humanly possible by the Marine
Corps Band and the Coast Guard Pipe Band, including a tear-producing
wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial. Dozens of war
veterans stood side by side knowing that they had not been forgotten.

When you go to war, you don’t do it expecting any thanks or great
rewards. But not being remembered at all certainly makes it seem a
thankless risk of your life.

I know that I speak for everyone in attendance at this great event when
I say that we all felt as though we were truly appreciated for our
sacrifices.

My congratulations to the Monroe Township School District and
especially the students of Williamstown High School for their
outstanding support of this activity, and to all the volunteers and HBO
for letting us all know that our service was truly appreciated.
God bless America!

Carl E. Davis
Deptford Township

Editor’s note: Davis served aboard the USS Alaska and USS Washington during World War II.